Deputy Higgins said, “This is a really big day for Saggart with work now underway for a much needed community centre at the old Schoolhouse. “And I want to wish a massive congratulations to the community, led by the Saggart Village Residents Association, who have so passionately campaigned for the Council to purchase this building. “This community centre is going to be a massive asset to the community, and importantly the history and heritage of Saggart is being represented

A new scheme which provides maternity leave for South Dublin councillors will be positive for all women wishing to pursue a career in politics, a Fine Gael <TD/Senator> has said. Deputy Emer Higgins said: “My colleague, Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, is introducing a scheme to provide maternity leave for councillors, which is an extremely welcome development. “This means that female councillors in Dublin can appoint a

8th June 20 22 - Emer Higgins, TD Deputy Higgins said, “Achieving gender equality in the boardroom is a major ambition of mine, which is why I introduced the Corporate Governance (Gender Balance) Bill last year, to start working towards a quota of at least 40% women on our corporate boards in Ireland. “I am now delighted that, after over 10 years of having this discussion at a European level, a deal to introduce 40% gender quotas at a board-room level has been agreed. “This i

Record levels of employment with 2.5 million people at work nationally Jobs figures published by the CSO show that employment has increased13% in Dublin, with a record level of employment reached nationally and 2.5m people now at work, a Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins was speaking after the publication of the Quarter 1 2022 Labour Force Survey published by the Central Statistics Office (Thursday the 26th of May 2022). Deputy Higgins said, “Fine Gael has always pri

A new grant of up to €500 towards the cost of a hairpiece, wig or hair replacement will support people who suffer hair loss due to illness, Dublin Mid-West’s Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy Higgins said: “This new grant recognises the physical and psychological impact that hair loss can have on someone’s life, especially when they are already dealing with ill-health. “This initiative, provided for in Budget 2022, is about supporting people who suffer from forms of alopecia or c

Dublin Mid-West’s government TD, Deputy Emer Higgins, has said that a series of improvements to the Government’s supports for carers will take effect from today. “My colleague the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD is introducing changes to the means test for carers, the first such change in 14 years. This means that many more people in the community will now be eligible for the Carer’s Allowance. “The capital disregard for carers will increase from €20,000

Deputy Emer Higgins, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid-West, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, that people aged 25-28 will now only need to work for 9 months to avail of dental, optical and aural treatments under the Treatment Benefit Scheme. Deputy Higgins said, "Previously, the scheme only allowed people who made 260 PRSI contributions to receive state support for the range of treatments. "I welcome Minister Humphreys’ announcement